Bus Driver Involved In Deadly Jamaica, Queens Bus Collision Fired Following Investigation
QUEENS, NEW YORK (October 28, 2024) – A pedestrian has tragically died in a Jamaica, Queens MTA bus accident by Baisley Boulevard and Bedell Street.
New York Police Department officials are saying that the collision took place around 10:30 p.m. on August 6. A 31-year-old woman was crossing the intersection when she was struck by the bus as it made a left-hand turn.
The MTA bus driver kept going after the crash. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Despite lifesaving measures, she later died due to her injuries.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Queens Bus Accidents
The MTA has been involved in a large number of collisions over the years. According to one report from the New York Post, “At least 2,520 people — or 2.7 per day — were injured [from 2015 – 2018], according to the MTA. At least 14 people died, including a 25-year-old skateboarder, a 62-year-old pedestrian, a 60-year-old motorist and a 70-year-old with a walker who was mutilated by a hit-and-run bus.” There are a number of steps bus companies should take to prevent bus collisions.
- Bus companies should regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles.
- Bus drivers should be trained how to handle their vehicles safely in a variety of circumstances.
- Bus companies should comply with all safety standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Bus companies are considered common carriers, and their drivers are held to a higher standard in terms of safety. Pursuant to New York Vehicle Code 1146, all drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid hitting any pedestrian crossing an intersection. Bus drivers must be particularly cautious when making left turns. If a bus driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is important that certain steps are taken after any bus accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records related to the crash should be reviewed.
- The bus driver’s logbook should be collected.
Pedestrian accidents are often highly preventable. One of the major safety issues with buses is that they have large blind spots. These blind spots can easily obscure the presence of pedestrians and smaller vehicles. Bus drivers are supposed to check their blind spots before making turns at intersections. But this does not always happen. The family of any person who died in an MTA bus accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Queens MTA Bus Accidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman who died in this Jamaica, Queens MTA bus accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the NYPD. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Do you need more information about an MTA bus accident? Our team of pedestrian accident attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and justice that they are owed under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
